Mam, we are not machine please understand !
Today students deserve more space, leverage and communication from teachers - Mrs. Maya Bisht, Educationist
Mam, we are not machine please understand !
Today students deserve more space, leverage and communication from teachers.
In my long teaching tenure in various schools – I have come across myriad experiences , but some stand out from rest owing to their purity .
I remember the new school year had just started and one day in one of my class I gave my students a writing task – to disclose what they desire from their teachers .
Though students rarely reveal their innermost thoughts because they can’t find the right words to express their thoughts or they do not want to divulge personal details about themselves.
Their hopes and anticipations for what they want from their teacher are still there below the surface.
Many typically wrote that they want their teacher to be “nice” and “make learning fun.”
But one student’s writing had me in deep thought, sharing here –
Dear Teachers
Try to understand the environment I come from. Sometimes I am sad, sometimes I am hungry.
I have experienced some chaotic situations you may not know about.
Just because I may lack some academic skills does not mean I cannot think. Be patient with me… give me a chance. Give me more that one chance to show you – what I have learned !
When you go over my work and explain – how I can improve ! I promise to hear you out and try harder.
Treat me like an individual not like a number. I am a real person with real feelings.
Be friendly with me when you see me outside of class. It means a lot to me when you smile and call me by my name.
When you introduce new ideas to us, go slowly, provide examples, and give us a chance to talk about what you are teaching with a fellow student or a small group.
Let me show you what I have understand in different ways. Maybe I can show you or tell you what I know instead of taking a written test.
Many times my fingers ache and my mind too gets tired with continuous lessons.
Even though it may not seem like it, I really do want to listen and learn. Sometimes I have to move around because I can’t sit still for long periods of time.
No matter what, please don’t take away my recess.
I need to get some exercise to make my brain work better. Please don’t pile on the homework;
the best homework is the kind I can do by myself without the help of my mom and dad.
Be real. Tell us stories about yourself when you were a student or even make us laugh. I may need some laughter in my life.
I like a lot of pictures and words all around the classroom. These things may help remember longer..
When you are teaching us, stop every once in a while and ask some specific questions to see if we are with you.
If you wait too long, we may be overwhelmed and lost.
Remember the importance of treating everyone with kindness. When you show us how much you care, we will learn to be nice to other people.
Show me how to set learning goals for myself. When I know what my target is, I will work harder to reach it.
As the year goes on, get to know me as a person, not just a student. I want you to be someone I can go to when I have a problem that goes beyond school.
I may not always say thank you but I am always grateful for the little things you do to make my day better.
Sometimes learning is easy for me. I like it when you challenge me to think more deeply.
Help me to use my imagination and be creative. I like it when I succeed at things I did not know I was capable of doing.
I want you to teach us in different ways. Lectures may be hard to follow or to keep up with. PowerPoints can also be overwhelming and used by almost all of our teachers.
Give me time to let new learning sink in. Let me think, reflect, and process.
Encourage me to speak up even though it may move me out of my comfort zone.
I need to learn how to express myself in words. It may be easier for me to speak up in pairs or small groups until I get used to doing so.” With regards Your student .
by Mrs. Maya Bisht.
Educationist
https://padchihnatimes.com/ict-academy-center-of-women-empowerment-launched-in-doon-university/
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